There are several types/causes of shock; some have implications for medical treatment (drug treatment in the field by non-medical persons) others do not.

Shock due to trauma, such as hypovolemic shock (due to blood loss-especially internal bleeding) is best treated at a definitive care institution such as a Shock Trauma Center, as surgical intervention may be the only viable treatment. I.V. fluids can increase the chances to get the patient to the Trauma Center, but is not a definitive treatment. I.V. fluids can make a difference in burn cases where fluid loss is significant and causing severe hypotension (low blood pressure).

Shock due to a cardiovascular event (cardiogenic shock), can respond well to drug intervention, but unless you have the drugs, the knowledge and monitoring equipment, I do not think this is even a feasible option.

Hypoglycemic (too little blood sugar) shock/insulin shock does respond very quickly to drug intervention with oral glucose tablets/gel, cake icing, orange juice or hard candy for the conscious patient (this is viable treatment option for even the untrained) or I.V. Dextrose for the unconscious patient. Giving glucose to a patient with too high a blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), will generally not create a major problem. When in doubt i.e. unable to take blood glucose reading, treat as though they were hypoglycemic and give sugar, their blood glucose levels can be regulated at the hospital.

Shock due some type of mental stress/scare – psychogenic shock is generally transitory due to a temporary interruption to the blood flow to the brain. Placing the victim in the “shock position” with the patient laying down with the legs elevated along with carefully and calmly chosen words will generally correct the situation.

Pete